The Coptic immigration to France started as early as 1800 after the French invasion of Egypt but a bigger immigration started in the 1960s.

On June 2, 1974, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III has received in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria a native Orthodox Church in France along with their Primate, who in turn was accepted after consecration into the Episcopate, in Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandri and hence was appointed their Primate His Grace Marcos (Mark), as the first Bishop and His Grace Athanasios as the Chorbishop (Deputy Bishop) of the French Orthodox Eparchy.

Currently, the church has also many Priests serving in Paris and other French cities.

Faith and governance

The French Orthodox Church being an upholder of the Orthodox faith as defined by the Apostolic Throne of Alexandria, is integrated within the Church of Alexandria, but is considered autonomous in matter of governance.